First Saltwater Tank 20 g

This is a discussion on First Saltwater Tank 20 g within the Beginner Saltwater Aquariums forums, part of the Saltwater Fish and Coral Reef Tanks category; -->
I have just started my first saltwater tank. Here is what I have so far.
20 Gallon tank
20 lbs live sand
15 lbs ...

I also don't have a sump. Did I forget anything? I am hoping to get a CUC this weekend.
The tank has been set up for about a week. I was thinking in about two weeks I would add fish.
I want to get 2 clownfish and 1 yellow watchman goby. What do you guys think?
Here's some picturesAttachment 44938
what are the white strings on the rock?Attachment 44942photo.jpg

Lets see...first get the salinity correct. That way you don't kill off the good things that are living in your live rock.

Probably need more water movement, another powerhead should do the trick. You want at least 10x turn over rate for fish only, as much as 25x or even more if you keep certain corals.

Personally I'd add more rock, get some base rock for cheap and it will seed and become live over time.

If you plan on corals you need actinic lighting. Might consider it anyways because it really makes the fish look better, IMO at least.

The tank might be cycling...did you get the live rock locally? There will be die off sometimes which will create a cycle, make sure to test the water before adding fish. That's all I see but otherwise looks good. Get the heater, get everything stable, and enjoy.

I am turning the tank over about 18x an hour right now.
120 gallons per hour with filter 250 with powerhead.
fixing salinity and adding heater tomorrow. Any idea what
the white strings are in the second picture.
Thanks for the help.

got live rock locally. working on lighting but kinda on tight budget.
Also one more question- On the filter should I leave the carbon filter
in or should I take it out. LFS said 15 lbs would be enough for
fish only tank.

Old tube worms that have died left those tunnels.
You can't add anything to the tank until your tank has cycled. The ammonia build up will kill the CUC and the fish. Your looking at 4-6 weeks to cycle the tank. You need that test kit to tell you when its ok to add fish and a CUC. The CUC will come first after the cycle, then the fish, one at a time.

thanks for the help. I am going to do a fish only tank for now, maybe in the future I will
upgrade the lighting and go for corals. Right now I just want to get some experience.
when do you guys suggest I add the CUC?